912 Operator’s Manual
12/4/14
Page
4
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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS OVERVIEW
READ SAFETY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING!
USE COMMON SENSE AND PLENTY OF IT!
The CLUTCH LEVER on the left handlebar is for the operator’s protection. All motion stops
when the lever is released.
DO NOT TAPE THE CLUTCH LEVER UP or otherwise by-pass this
safety feature
!
Call before you dig.
If you do not call, you may cause an accident; suffer injuries or death; cause
interruption of services; damage the environment; and/or incur project delays. Expect to be held
liable for any damages caused, if you fail to call.
DANGER
: Buried electric cables or gas lines can cause serious injury or death if struck
with dig chain. Always determine location of utilities before trenching.
WARNING
: Fiber optic cables convey laser light that can injure your
eyesight.
STAY CLEAR of moving parts on the trencher.
DANGER
: Digging chain, auger and other moving parts can cut off arms,
legs, or fingers. Contact with the digging chain or auger while in operation
will cause serious injury or even death.
Wear safety goggles and a hard hat while operating or observing!
WARNING
: The dig chain may throw stones and debris.
Wear adequate hearing protection while operating or observing.
WARNING
: Exposure to loud noise is cumulative and may
permanently damage your hearing.
Wear safety boots and gloves. Wear close-fitting clothing. Contain long hair.
Do not wear jewelry. Wear reflective clothing if working near traffic.
Only operate outdoors and avoid breathing engine exhaust and fumes.
WARNING
: Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide gas that is toxic. Breathing it can
cause unconsciousness and death.
Adequate lighting is required, daylight or artificial, for safe operation of the trencher.
Allow adequate side and overhead clearances between trencher and buildings, fences, and trees.
WARNING
: If the dig chain contacts an object the digging chain can climb upward
quickly and tip the trencher toward the operator. Serious injury or death will result by
operator contact with the moving chain. The digging chain can suddenly drag the machine
forward if the trencher is forced too quickly into the ground or catches on a buried object.
Insure that the CHAIN FORWARD/NEUTRAL/REVERSE LEVER is in NEUTRAL when not
actually trenching.
WARNING
: Contact with the dig chain or auger while in operation will cause serious
injury or even death. The teeth of the dig chain are sharp. Avoid contact even when the
chain is not moving.
